Pleased to learn that my essay “Toltec Traces in ‘Thunder-Rider’” (published in On An Underwood No. 5 ) has been nominated for the Robert E. Howard Foundation’s Cimmerian Award for Outstanding Achievement in an Online Essay. Thanks to Todd Vick (who himself racked up FIVE nominations, wow) for putting the…
I was pleased to learn that my translations of songs V and VI of the Aztec codex Cantares Mexicanos will be published in an upcoming number of the journal Asymptote.
IFWG Publishing just dropped the cover of Garza Twins Book Two on their website. Kudos to Charlene for her incredible work on this.
The post below is mainly intended for students reading my Garza Twins series, but the information may be useful for others as well. Most societies in pre-Columbian Mexico (Aztec, Maya, Mixtec, etc.) used a complex system to keep track of dates. Basically there were two overlapping calendars in this system: a 365-day…
Here are some key facts about one of the protagonists of the Garza Twins series. Name: Carolina “Carol” Garza Birthday: August 10 Aztec day sign: Ce Ocelotl or “One Jaguar.” Note, however, that the twins were baptized on August 26, which falls under the sign Nahui Izcuintli or “Four Dog,”…
Here are some key facts about one of the protagonists of the Garza Twins series. Name: Juan Ángel “Johnny” Garza Birthday: August 10 Aztec day sign: Ce Ocelotl or “One Jaguar” Pronouns: he, him Orientation: straight Home town: Donna, Texas Interests: electronica music, old cartoons and comics, video games, architecture,…
My family and I spent about a week in Yucatán and Quintana Roo, visiting Maya ruins and beaches (y devorando la increíble comida regional). I got in a ton of research for a book I’m planning, and I was able to continue learning Yucatec Maya. A wonderful time, often a…
What is the most likely reason Carol wakes up in her back yard with a dead jackrabbit in her hands? How has the disappearance of the twins’ mother affected their family? Why is it ironic that Johnny says, “An animal? Maybe I am one, too” in Chapter 2? At the…
Here are a few resources than can be used by teachers in connection with The Smoking Mirror El espejo humeante, the Spanish version of The Smoking Mirror Glossary for The Smoking Mirror (now with an audio recording!) Detailed synopsis of The Smoking Mirror (spoilers aplenty!) Related readings The Mayan Hero Twins story…
I’ve created a list of mythological characters, objects, places and concepts mentioned or featured inThe Smoking Mirror. Here’s an audio recording of these words to help with pronunciation. Acolmiztli—A black puma who leads the Balamija in the second level of Mictlan Ahuiateteo—Gods of vice and excess. ahuitzotl—(pl. ahuitzomeh) “Water dog,”…
